Labeling Theory
Labeling theory is based on social deviations that result in the labeling of the outsider.
In his article Becker describes deviance as being created by society. Social groups
create deviance through the establishment of social rules, the breaking of these
rules results in the perpetrator being labeled as a deviant.
Because of the objectivity involved it is unnecessary to say that these labels are not
always accurately applied to people. Once a label is given to an individual they
become part of all the generalizations that go with that label. For instance, some one
who has been convicted of a crime could be seen as someone who has no respect
for the law. These labels also present a self fulfilling prophecy. Being identified as a
deviant, a person is usually banished from conventional social groups, and therefore is
forced to become part of less desirable ones. Being a member of less desirable social
groups will only reinforce that they are a deviant, and increase their chances of
engaging in deviant behaviors. The first time some one is labeled for deviant
behavior, is known as the primary deviance, the secondary deviance is the deviant
behavior that occurs after being labeled. Secondary deviance behaviors are reactions
to effects of being labeled in the first place.
Development
Labeling theory or the social reaction theory was first proposed during the late 1950′s
in opposition to normative theorists or the natural rights theories. Some of the people
who contributed to it’s development were Howard Becker (1963), Tannenbaum
(1951), and Lemert (1938). Lemert is considered as the first to actually introduce the
ideal and Becker is the one who became the leader of the movement.
First of all is Lemert who did not consider himself to be a labeling theorist though he
introduced primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance is the behavior that
causes the initial labeling of a person as a deviant. Once that label has been
established deviant behaviors afterward are called secondary deviance. Secondary
deviance happens when the person begins to identify with and classify himself or
